8 People Found Dead in Trailer, Human Trafficking Investigation

38 people were discovered in Tractor Trailer rig at a Walmart parking lot in San Antonio. Eight bodies were confirmed deceased, 30 people were taken to the hospital to be treated.

An employee of Walmart was alerted by the passenger of the truck asking for water. The employee returned with water and called the police. When police arrived they discovered 38 people locked in the back of the trailer.

The truck was a refrigeration truck, those trucks are used to transport produce and other perishables. However, in this truck, the cooling unit did not work and temperatures were about 100 degrees.

As they opened the trailer some of the people tried to flee the area. Others who were badly hurt remained in the back of the truck.

The driver of the trailer was immediately arrested and is expected to face charges.

According to reports, their hearts were beating rapidly and their temperatures spiking. Their skin was hot to the touch.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have taken over the case and are treating it as a human trafficking situation.

Unfortunately, this happens more often than we think. Pyle transportation released a statement saying, "the driver owned the truck, managed his own deliveries and operated largely independently from his company."

Investigators said human trafficking is common in this region of Texas, it usually happens in the night where things can go unnoticed.

U.S. Attorney Richard Durbin released the statement early Sunday morning:

San Antonio firefighters and police responded to a horrific scene this morning on the southwest side of town. They discovered an alien smuggling venture gone horribly wrong. Eight immigrants were found dead. At least twenty more were in serious condition. All were victims of ruthless human smugglers indifferent to the well-being of their fragile cargo. The South Texas heat is punishing this time of year. These people were helpless in the hands of their transporters. Imagine their suffering, trapped in a stifling trailer in 100-plus degree heat. The driver is in custody and will be charged. We will work with the Homeland Security Investigations and the local responders to identify those who were responsible for this tragedy.